The Dangers of Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are dangerous in the best of situations, such as when piloting a small car at low speeds. Due to the sheer size and weight of an automobile, there is a risk of injury whenever something unexpected happens, and losing the traction and steering that comes with four functioning wheels tests even the most experienced drivers.

Tire blowouts are significantly more dangerous when dealing with large trucks such as semis and tractor-trailers. These trucks are significantly heavier and more difficult to steer even when all their systems are functioning properly. When a blowout occurs, the driver can lose control of the vehicle completely, slamming into others on the road.

Many tire blowouts are caused by circumstances outside the control of the owner/operator of the vehicle. These include nails or other debris in the road puncturing the tire, hot roads resulting in tire malfunction, or improperly manufactured tires. But most tire blowouts can be attributed to things the owner/operator can control.

Proper tire maintenance is key to preventing tire blowouts. Tire under-inflation is a common cause of tire blowouts and is easily preventable through regular pressure checks. On occasion, under-inflation occurs because of a slow leak caused by a puncture. These slow leaks are more easily identified with regular pressure checks.

Overloading tires is another common cause of blowouts that is completely preventable. Operators of large trucks must know the weight allowance of their tires, and adding any more weight than that allowance is asking for disaster. A truck driver should never hire on to haul a load that is too heavy for his rig.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important that a full investigation take place. Many accidents are preventable, and insuring the owner and operator of the vehicle performed all the necessary safety steps to make the truck safe is a priority. Please, consult with an experienced attorney regarding the details of your case.